The group, Cari-Folk Singers, had its genesis at the famous Excelsior High School in 1973 and continues to thrive as a formidable proponent of culture, through preserving and propagating the culture of the Caribbean people.
In 1995, the Honourable R. Danny Williams, in a programme message said: “The Carifolk Singers represent(s) so much of what is good in our country and our people.” Such ‘good’ has been shared, over the years, with audiences in Cuba, Guntanamo Bay, Cayman, Panama, Mexico, the United States of America, England, Austria, Germany and repeatedly ‘a yaad’ - in Jamaica, at hotels, schools, churches; at weddings, receptions, funerals, and at special and major national events such as independence and emancipation day celebrations.
The Cari-Folk Singers has received recognition both at home and internationally for their contribution to the promotion and preservation of our rich Caribbean culture. In 2002 the group received the prestigious Silver Musgrave Medal for excellence in music, awarded by the Institute of Jamaica. At the inaugural Choir Olympics held in Linz, Austria, in the year 2000 the group was awarded one gold and two silver medals, a feat that was repeated at the third choir Olympics in Germany in 2004.
In their 2004 Tri-state (USA) tour through Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, the group performed a series of fundraising concerts themed “TEP OVA MAKKA (Overcoming obstacles). The group was awarded proclamations from each state for excellence in Caribbean folk culture.
Two years later, the Cari-Folk Singers returned for their 2006 New York City (USA) tour.The group presented a concert series themed "NOSTALGIA" that was performed on the college circuit in the boroughs of QUEENS,BROOKLYN and BRONX. The Brooklyn Borough President awarded the group a proclamation for their usual excellence in Caribbean folk culture.
The group, which has shared the local stage with such world-renowned personalities as Harry Bellefonte and Willard White, is known for providing total theatre, through music and singing, dancing/movements, dramatisations. We perform a wide range of folk forms inclusive of Kumina, Bruckins, Dinki-Mini, Revival, Mento, ring games, Maroon and nine night.
The major performance on our annual calendar is our concert season which is currently staged at the Little Theatre during September. Since May 2003 the group embarked on collaborative production dubbed CULTUREFEST which features the performances of other artistes along with The Cari-Folk Singers. This event has been supported by performers such as Amina Blackwood-Meeks, story-teller extraordinaire, the Maurice Gordon Trio (jazz), Akwaaba Drummers, Bello and Blacka (comedy) and the Tony Wilson Dancers.
The sound of the Cari-Folk Singers reflects the inputs of musical directors such as Keith Gordon (1973 – 1976), Althea Gravesandy (1979 – 1983) and Kathryn Bond-Dyke (1976 – 1979, and 1983 – 2003). Kathryn has had the most profound and significant impact on the group’s music and broadened its repertoire to over 350 songs, including classical religious and negro spirituals performed for special occasions. Most of the arrangements we perform today reflect her invaluable legacy to the group. Kathryn is currently on leave from the group and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies. The Cari-Folk Singers is currently under the direction of our new musical director Dolores Flemming who brings to the group her unique musical flair and creativity. Support members of the musical team include Winston Cowans and Velva Lawrence both past musical directors of the group. Astley ‘Grub’ Cooper continues to provide invaluable succour to the group in the area of popular music which now regards him as a distinguished ‘Friend of Cari-Folk’. The very talented Godfrey Taylor, one of Jamaica’s premier musicians, has also done arrangements for the group and assisted us with musical preparation for shows such as Culturefest.
The majority of the choreography currently performed by the group has been created by Carol Miller, who has been a member of the group for over 20 years. Her exciting and unique choreography has distinguished Cari-Folk from other performing groups with its unexpected and vibrant movements. The Reverend Doctor Gordon Cowans, a founding member of the group has also choreographed the group for concert seasons and participation in the first Choir Olympics. He also takes to the group his unique flair and vibrant creativity. Artistic Directors which have worked with the group include Gordon Cowans, Eugene Williams, Winston “Bello” Bell and Carol Miller.
Fitness and stamina are as integral to the Carifolk Singers as singing. Fortunately, the group boasts two professional sports personalities in Winston O. Cowans, former national table tennis coach, and Roy G. Thomas, sports commentator and football coach. They are responsible for ‘breathing fitness’ into the group. Our professional make-up artist is Marilyn Brown and costume mistress is Karen Bellamy. Both have been given the responsibility to ensure that the group looks as good as it sounds. With a contingent of approximately thirty performers, all full-time professionals – teachers, managers, accountants etc., it is incredible that each person continues to make time to enlighten, entertain and keep folk music alive amidst the lure of cable television, the sound system, various computer games and other modern attractions.
For future shows contact:
Web: www.lignumvitaeinc.com
Email: info@lignumvitaeinc.com
Phone: (718) 986 4076
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"Ball Gone Round"
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